Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Day 0: Prologue

"Tooru, you trash!"

The high-pitched shout was followed by the sound of a palm slapping against one's skin. Tobio stopped in his tracks. He didn't mean to see this—this scene where Oikawa's head turned to the side, a blooming red mark visible on his cheek. The girl before him had tears on her cheeks, and a puffy pink face that would make people think she was the one getting slapped. But she wasn't. Though involuntarily, Tobio had seen everything from the start.

Damn it.

"Geez," Oikawa said. "Iwa-chan is the only one who can call me that."

That was the wrong response. The girl looked like she was about to throw her heavy-looking bag to his face. 

"O-Oikawa-san!" Tobio blurted out. 

Damn it. Damn it to hell. Why did his lips betray him? He swore he didn't want to get involved! But now Oikawa was looking at him, and the girl was so shocked that she scrambled backward. Of course, it wasn't long before she ran away. 

Oikawa raised an eyebrow. He looked as if he was challenging Tobio to say anything about his predicament, and also curious why Tobio helped him.

"I didn't," Tobio struggled to say. As Oikawa's other eyebrow shot up, he added, "I wasn't trying to help you. I just—"

"I mean, I haven't even said anything," Oikawa said.

Tobio frowned. Why was it that Oikawa always irritated him?

"But, to me, it seemed that you went out of your way to help me. You realize I didn't need your help, don't you?"

"What did you do to her, anyway?" Tobio asked. "It must have been a terrible thing."

"I didn't!" Oikawa raised both of his hands placatingly. "I didn't harass her or anything! That's my girlfriend." Then he pouted. "Or was."

Tobio supposed he indeed had seen the girl a few times with Oikawa. But to be honest, Tobio didn't care. Why should he? He was just running in the neighborhood since Coach Murasaki banned him from playing volleyball. He meant, which volleyball player could live without actually playing volleyball? 

Tobio didn't understand why the sprain on his wrist was such a big deal. The doctor said he should rest for two weeks, but he was the one who knew the pain, and it wasn't that painful. Still, his complaints turned to deaf ears, and his seniors in Nittaidai ganged up on him to make sure he didn't play. Which was why Tobio decided to run and play in the park instead. Who knew he would see that kind of thing here….

"What?" Oikawa snapped. "I said I did nothing!"

"I haven't said anything."

Oikawa's eyes widened, and he let out a disbelieving grin. "Huh, so you've grown up to be cheeky." He walked over and pinched Tobio's cheeks, hard.

Tobio swatted his hands. "Why are you here?"

As far as Tobio knew, Oikawa told Coach Murasaki about having to leave early from the club. Tobio admitted that he still wasn't good enough to become their team's starting setter compared to Oikawa, who could work with all the team members without difficulties. Still, he was confident that his existence could put pressure on Oikawa. He got into Nittaidai in Tokyo with a sports scholarship, after all. However….

Did Oikawa being here mean he had skipped practice to meet his girlfriend?

Tobio threw an accusing glare at him. How could he do that to volleyball?

"I don't know what's going on inside that small brain of yours, but I'm sure you're wrong."

Tobio scowled.

"Nevermind, I'm busy. Off you go, Tobio-chan. And don't think you can play volleyball here," Oikawa said, staring right at Kageyama's sports bag. "But again, if you mess up your wrist even more, it'll be better. So go on, play if you want. I don't care."

Hearing that from Oikawa's mouth made Tobio want to do the opposite, just because. Shit, Oikawa really could read anyone easily. Or was it just Tobio?

"If you didn't do anything to her, why would she hit you?" Tobio asked. He noticed Oikawa's cheek was swollen and red by now.

"Well, you know. The usual. I was busy with volleyball, and she met another man. Said it was my fault, and of course, she had to hit me when I said she didn't matter to me." Oikawa shrugged. "Pretty sure I should be the one crying."

"Oh...." Tobio frowned. "If you didn't like her, why did you go out with her?"

"Of course I liked her, stupid! That's not the point! Do you expect me to beg on my knees?"

"Why would you want to beg her after she cheated?"

"Oh my God." Oikawa threw his hands up, looking exasperated. "Whatever, it's tiring talking with you. I need to go to Iwa-chan."

Tobio glared. He didn't understand why, but he felt insulted.

"Bye, Tobio-chan. Quickly mess that wrist up so I won't have to see you again at practices." Oikawa waved. 

He walked off before Tobio got the chance to retaliate. 

Tobio glared at his bag. A volleyball was sitting solemnly inside, waiting for Tobio to touch it. But he really, really didn't want to give Oikawa the satisfaction if he did mess up his wrist. He raised his hand and observed the bandage around his wrist. It was only minor swelling. Nothing to be afraid of.

Right?

It turned out he was mistaken. The following day, his wrist was the size of a tennis ball. He even felt a bit lightheaded. Probably the pain was giving him a fever. Tobio pouted and prayed to the God of volleyball that Coach wouldn't see it.

Of course, it was only wishful thinking. Coach Murasaki and Captain Kubota's wrath were a sight to behold. He was even forced to promise to go to the hospital after classes. And now Tobio spent the morning practice kneeling next to the gym door, with his uninjured hand hanging above his head. The traditional punishment Tobio had tasted more than once in his life.

It was especially embarrassing that Oikawa smirked at him. 

However, sitting on the sideline like this gave him the opportunity to see Oikawa's serve. Which still gave him goosebumps until now. It didn't matter that his raised arm was starting to feel numb. He just wanted to imprint that serve in his mind and try it later when he could play without anyone knowing—

"Hey."

Tobio almost jumped. 

Iwaizumi was sitting beside him, a water bottle in his hand. 

Uh. Since when was Iwaizumi here?

"That looks painful." Iwaizumi gestured at Tobio's throbbing wrist on his lap.

"It isn't," Tobio lied.

Iwaizumi laughed. Not for the first time, Tobio respected him. Iwaizumi's laughter was honest and it could heal his soul, so to speak. Unlike a certain someone's voice that kept grating on his nerves.

"So, I was wondering," Iwaizumi said, "do you have plans for summer?"

"... summer?"

"Yeah, only a week until summer vacation. We don't have practice until the second week, so do you have plans?"

Tobio never had plans. Aside from playing volleyball from dusk till dawn, that is.

"I'm pretty sure you need to rest that wrist for at least three or four weeks," Iwaizumi said. "Don't even try to make it worse by playing behind our backs. Do you want to lose the chance for intercollegiate?"

Tobio bit his lip. "Of course not."

"Right? We will be at a disadvantage if you can't go!" Iwaizumi beamed. "So, do you have plans?"

Iwaizumi had never been this interested in Tobio's vacation plan. Was he doing this as a senpai who cared about his kouhai?

"I don't. If I can't play volleyball, I don't have anything."

"That's good. Do you have a passport?"

Now, Tobio was downright baffled. "Sorry?"

"A passport," Iwaizumi said patiently.

"I… yes, I have one. I think. My mom is always prepared with all kinds of documents. Just in case, she said."

"She's totally right!" Iwaizumi said, smiling so wide Tobio bet it hurt. "Then wait for me after practice."

Tobio tilted his head, and Iwaizumi rose without waiting for his answer. 

"Listen to your senpai and behave! Even I can't back you up if you make the captain angry!" Iwaizumi then looks at Oikawa, who is bouncing a ball while preparing for another serve. "I know someone who can, but I doubt he wants to. So, behave, Kageyama!"

Kageyama grimaced. Kubota Keiichi, their captain, was a big guy that resembled a bear. He was an ace, had a booming voice, and was generally a friendly guy—if no one messed with him. Tobio liked to think that he was three times scarier than Daichi. Tobio knew though, if anyone could put a stop to Kubota's anger, it was Oikawa.

Well, Iwaizumi and Oikawa were juniors, and it had been in the talk for months that Oikawa would be named captain after Kubota retired. No surprise there. It was just Tobio was afraid that there would be Kitagawa Daichi once again.

Iwaizumi ran back to the team, smacking Oikawa's head once he was there. Tobio could hear Oikawa's whining even from this distance. 

That reminded him again, what was it that Iwaizumi needed from Tobio?

Tobio furrowed his brow, thought hard, but shrugged when his brain couldn't form any coherent reasons. Whatever. He'd know soon enough anyway.

Tobio regretted the fact that he obeyed Iwaizumi. He should have sprinted off the gym the moment morning practice was over. But how could Iwaizumi, the senpai Tobio respected so much, do this to him?

He felt really, really betrayed.

"Iwa-chan!" Oikawa whined. 

At least, Tobio wasn't alone in feeling this way.

"Just shut up first. Listen to me!" Iwaizumi brought up his hand and began counting with his fingers. "First, you refused to let anyone know that you were dumped, yet Kageyama already knew. Second, you have paid a big sum to book that trip. And third, I can't go with you. The professor specifically said I needed to help him during summer vacation. That leaves us with only one person to go with you!"

There was something strange to those reasons, but Tobio could only stare.

"But it's Tobio-chan!"

"Kageyama is stubborn, just like someone I know. I'm one thousand percent sure he would break that wrist if left alone. If he goes with you, he won't play for at least a week, and everyone is happy," Iwaizumi said.

"I don't care even if he breaks that wrist!"

"I know you don't mean it."

"Still! Why should I be the one doing the babysitting?" Oikawa said.

"It's really up to you." Iwaizumi shrugged. "That's not my money, you know. I'm just trying to help."

Oikawa shut his mouth but glared at Iwaizumi. He then shifted his gaze to Tobio. Tobio felt as if he was a worm waiting to be stomped by Oikawa.

"So, you free next week?" Oikawa asked, looking as if he couldn't believe what he had just asked.

"What's with you two," Tobio grumbled. "Don't I have any say in this?"

"Of course not! Ouch!" Oikawa rubbed his head, which had been smacked by Iwaizumi. "I mean, yes, of course you do!"

"Kageyama, don't you think it's a good deal for you?" Iwaizumi asked. "You don't have to pay for anything because this idiot has taken care of everything." He gestured to the pouting Oikawa. "You need to rest your wrist, seriously."

"But—where are we going?"

"The island of Gods, the paradise." Iwaizumi grinned. "You're going to Bali!"

Bali? Tobio heard about Bali many times. People always gush about how beautiful the place was, but he never did care about it. It wasn't a place that was famous for volleyballs, meaning the only thing he knew about the place was its name.

"But is it really okay…."

"Honestly, it's not, but I don't have any other choice. I refuse to be alone during this trip for reasons I can't say now, so yeah. Go with me!" Oikawa said.

Tobio scowled. If Oikawa was being an ass like this, why should Tobio say yes?

"You can learn many things from Oikawa," Iwaizumi said. "Despite looking like this, he was still the best setter in All Japan Intercollegiate last year. And volleyball doesn't always mean volley and balls."

Tobio felt so stupid. He couldn't understand what Iwaizumi said, not really. But he somehow knew that Iwaizumi was right. Oikawa was the best setter not only because of his jump serve or accuracy, or even technique. It was because he could utilize those things while uniting his team. It was no wonder that he was always chosen as captain. If Tobio could learn what he was like outside of the courts, perhaps he could also improve his volleyball.

"Earth to, Tobio-chan!"

Tobio frowned. But was there really something to learn outside of volley and balls from him? The owner of that worse-than-Tsukishima's personality? Tobio considered telling Oikawa that he could be the best setter only because Tobio was still in high school last year. Just to spite Oikawa.

"Your answer," Oikawa said, impatient.

Tobio looked at Iwaizumi, then back to Oikawa. 

When he said "okay", he hoped this wouldn't be his biggest mistake of the year.

Tbc ❤

Chapter Text

Day 1

To his surprise, Tobio managed to rest his wrist for a week until summer vacation came. Kubota called him daily to remind him about being taken off the team if he was still injured by the time the break ended, and that made Tobio obey. He resigned himself to touching the ball in his apartment room and watching Nittaidai’s past matches on his computer. The boredom almost killed him.

That was, until the day of the trip came. Oikawa had been super obnoxious during the trip preparations. He went as far as listing all the things Tobio needed to pack, saying he couldn’t let Tobio go only with a volleyball and two pairs of jerseys inside his bag. On the bright side, Oikawa had taken care of everything, even Tobio's visa. The only tricky thing Tobio did was ask for his mom’s permission so she could send his passport to Tokyo.

It was nerve-wracking. Oikawa couldn’t stand being in the same place with Tobio, even for a day. But this… their trip to Bali would take seven days. Tobio couldn’t imagine what kind of things would happen between them during the journey. It gave Tobio a headache just thinking about it.

“You ready?” Oikawa asked as he showed up at Tobio’s front door, wearing a white t-shirt and faded blue jeans. “Have you told your landlord that you’ll be off for a week?”

Tobio dragged his suitcase through the door and adjusted his backpack. “I have.”

“How about your stove? Iron? Have you checked everything?”

“Of course. I never cook or iron my clothes, anyway.”

“I’m not surprised,” Oikawa said. “We’ll take a taxi from here.”

Tobio watched as Oikawa dragged his own suitcase and took the lead outside the building of Tobio’s apartment.

When Oikawa called a taxi, Tobio swallowed.

He could still bail out now. Did he really want to spend seven days with Oikawa? The one person who hated him so much during middle school and high school? That same person who never said anything welcoming after learning Tobio was also in Nittaidai?

“Tobio-chan?”

Tobio tightened his grip on his backpack, then went inside the taxi.

“I’m ready,” he said, more to himself.

Oikawa raised an eyebrow, but otherwise said nothing. He took a seat beside Kageyama, told the driver their destination, then looked straight ahead. It was as if he was burning a hole in the back of the driver’s seat.

They were almost at Narita when Tobio noticed Oikawa tapping on his thigh. It was so unlike him to be that… nervous.

Before Tobio could ask, Oikawa said, “I haven’t told you something.”

Tobio tilted his head.

“You know, that thing I said back then. That I have a reason for not wanting to be alone on this trip.”

Oh, now that he mentioned it….

“You see, my ex was quite demanding. I mean, yeah, part of it was because I barely gave her attention, but yeah.”

“Okay?”

“And so, as the great Oikawa-san, of course I would want to make her happy!” Oikawa stared at his hands on his knees. “That’s why!”

Tobio frowned. “Out with it, Oikawa-san. You are making me nervous.”

“So,” Oikawa said again. “She told me she’d forgive me if I could book a trip for us, to make up for all the missing special days like birthdays or Christmas. And as you can see, I did.”

Tobio nodded. The air was awkward. Oikawa seemed like he would die for saying whatever he wanted to say. Tobio wanted to wring his hands on behalf of Oikawa.

“So I booked a package for couples,” said Oikawa in one breath.

Tobio looked at him, waiting for him to continue, but no other words came forth. “And?” 

Oikawa met his eyes. “I booked a package for couples.”

“I heard you, and I still don’t see why you are this—”

Oikawa stared at him in disbelief, and that was when it hit Tobio. A. Package. For. Couples.

“Uh,” Tobio said.

“Exactly! Uh!” 

“B-but what does that entail?”

“Aside from it being super romantic? Nothing,” Oikawa quickly said.

“B-but, can’t we just say we aren’t a couple?”

Oikawa rolled his eyes. “The trip will still be romantic. It’s tailored for couples and newlyweds.”

“Why did you book such a package?!”

“It was the cheapest one available! They had a promo, and I was gonna go with my girlfriend, anyway! It seemed like a dream come true!”

“Still, you should have said so from the beginning!”

“I know, that’s why I’m giving you a chance to back out!”

Tobio stared. 

Oikawa took a deep breath and continued. “I’ll just cancel the entire trip. There’s no point for me to go by myself, and it wasn’t that expensive.” He winced when he said so, though.

“... How much was it again?” Tobio asked.

“Forget it. It’s not right for me to do this.” Oikawa shifted in his seat and called the driver. “Excuse me, Sir, can we just go back--“

“No, please continue. We are almost late for our plane,” Tobio said.

Oikawa looked at Tobio, his lips parted.

It was Tobio’s turn to fidget. Tobio was a hundred percent sure that he would regret this decision, but—

Oikawa seemed to really want to go, and who didn’t after paying so much money? And didn’t Iwaizumi say that this was Tobio’s chance to learn from Oikawa? If he threw away this chance, they would only meet at practices, and Oikawa would be back to his usual mean self, while Tobio tried hard to understand and imitate his serve to improve.

“Sir, should I continue to Narita?” The Driver asked. “We’re almost there.”

Oikawa blinked. Tobio nodded his head slowly, not so confident with his choice, but agreed anyway.

“Yes, please continue,” Oikawa said finally.

The driver took a left turn, and Tobio saw the giant building from a distance.

He fisted his fingers and prayed everything would be alright.

Oikawa, too, didn’t say anything until they arrived.

Being on a plane for more than seven hours made Tobio’s head throb. Yes, Tobio dreamed of playing with foreign teams, which meant he should spend many hours on a plane. But the reality was, Tobio was only an awkward boy from Miyagi. Adapting his life to a modern city like Tokyo was already complicated enough. Let alone boarding a plane this long.

He sighed, shuffling the pages of a sports magazine he bought at the airport back and forth. He bet he could recite every sentence from the volleyball section perfectly now. He glanced at his side, where Oikawa was sleeping peacefully. It wasn’t fair. Oikawa seemed used to boarding a plane, and he was asleep as soon as they took off. Still, it was pretty nice not having to hear Oikawa’s chatter for seven hours.

Not for the first time, Tobio noticed how… handsome Oikawa was. Tobio never cared about appearance, and he didn’t like to waste his time ogling others if he could think about volleyball instead. But Oikawa was so handsome that anyone would glance twice his way and be mesmerized. To Tobio, Oikawa was the most attractive when he did his killer jump serves, but he wasn’t blind not to know Oikawa was attractive outside of the courts as well. 

“Girlfriend, huh,” Tobio mumbled. He leaned back and rested his head on the window, keeping his eyes on Oikawa. Now that he thought about it, even Hinata had a crush. The what-her-face girl he introduced to Tobio one time. Tobio supposed being in relationships was the norm at his age.

Tobio sighed and then almost jumped in his seat when Oikawa stared straight at him.

“Oikawa-san!”

Oikawa stretched and yawned. “I know, Tobio-chan. I know. I like my face, too.”

Tobio felt stupid getting worked up for Oikawa. 

The captain announced that they would land in Ngurah Rai airport soon. He mentioned the temperature outside and the current local time. The stewardess began checking every passenger’s seat, and Tobio watched as Oikawa smiled easily at her. He frowned and fastened his seatbelt, refusing to look up again.

By the time they landed, the sun had already set. Oikawa led the way to the exit after taking their suitcases and then looked around. Tobio didn’t know what Oikawa was searching for. Shouldn’t they rent a taxi now?

“Oh, there it is!” Oikawa beamed. He strode to the welcoming area, where people bring papers or boards with the names of their guests. Tobio watched as Oikawa stopped and smiled at a woman who seemed the same age as Miwa. She was holding a sign that read The Oikawas in alphabets.

The Oikawas.

Tobio’s face burned. What the fuck? 

“Hello, welcome to Bali,” the woman said in fluent Japanese when Tobio could finally move his legs to join them. “I’m Dayu Ratih, or you can call me Dayu. I hope you enjoyed the ride to Bali?” She smiled kindly. Her long black hair was pulled into a bun, and her sun-kissed skin looked spotless—making her look younger than Miwa, now that Tobio saw her up close.

“It was great. Thanks for the welcome,” Oikawa said with a smile. “I’m Oikawa Tooru, and this is Kageyama Tobio.”

“Hello…,” Tobio said.

“We’re not married… yet,” Oikawa continued. Tobio’s head snapped in his direction. Oikawa still maintained his smile, but it looked stiff now. “So yes, he is Kageyama.”

While Tobio appreciated Oikawa’s attempt to straighten the fact, he still screamed inwardly at the ‘yet’ Oikawa uttered.

“Oh, my apologies!” Dayu covered her mouth in surprise. “We shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions, but we thought you were on a honeymoon. Most of our guests are newlyweds, so we just assumed. I’m so sorry!”

Tobio could already see how the rest of this trip would go.

“But I hope you will still accept this.” Dayu fished out two flower necklaces from the paper bag she carried. She then proceeded to sling them around Oikawa’s and Tobio’s necks. The petals were white with a gentle yellow gradation toward the center. There was a familiar scent to them. Tobio wondered if it was one of Miwa’s aromatherapy oils at home.

“How lovely, thank you! Plumeria, aren’t they?” Oikawa said.

“Yes, that’s right!” Dayu beamed.

Oikawa looked at Tobio with a smug expression. Tobio replied with a pout. Did he expect Tobio to praise him? After dragging Tobio into these awkward situations?

Ugh. Tobio took a deep breath. He shouldn’t blame Oikawa for it. He was the one who wanted to continue the trip.

“My partner is waiting in the pickup area. This way, please,” Dayu said as she gestured for the two of them to follow her.

They traversed the long corridors in silence. The airport itself was packed with tourists from various countries. Tobio followed Dayu, just a little behind Oikawa, listening to all the chatter and the sounds of people dragging their suitcases. Small souvenir stands and restaurants lined the corridors until they arrived at an open area, where people were waiting for their ride.

Here, Tobio could finally smell the difference between the air of Japan and Bali. It was humid here, despite it being night. Japan in summer was also hot, but it was more dry than humid, if Tobio had to describe it. Tobio decided he quite liked the difference.

A white Daihatsu Xenia pulled up before them. A man in his thirties came out of the driver’s seat and smiled widely. He was wearing what seemed to be a uniform. Unique patterns lined the fabric of his shirt. Thinking about it again, Tobio saw many airport workers adorned similar things, only with different shapes on the prints. They all seemed unique and traditional, though.

It piqued his curiosity. Perhaps he should google it later. 

“Welcome!” the man said as he took Oikawa’s luggage and hauled it into the trunk. “Did you enjoy the ride here?”

“Very much,” Oikawa said. 

Tobio held back a snort. How could Oikawa remember the ride if he slept like the dead the whole time? Sometimes, Tobio envied the way Oikawa could lie through his teeth and still managed to charm people.

“We’ll escort you to the hotel,” the man, who introduced himself as Komang, said as they were all seated in the car. “Tomorrow morning we’ll pick you up at seven.”

“Sounds good,” Oikawa said. He then looked at Tobio. “Right, Tobio-chan?”

“Huh? Yeah.”

Oikawa rolled his eyes and mouthed, "You forgot how to speak or what?"

Tobio frowned. What the hell should he have said? It wasn’t like the situation really needed him to speak. Oikawa was enough for both of them.

On the front seat, Dayu laughed. “We’ve prepared everything as romantic as possible. We assure you, you’ll like this trip.”

“Can’t wait,” Oikawa said, voice strained, and Tobio was glaring daggers at him.

Can’t wait, my ass.

Luckily, or unfortunately, Dayu and Komang didn’t realize the silent war between Tobio and Oikawa in the backseat.

Fuck. Tobio was starting to sense the regret creeping its way to his heart. Oikawa, though, only kept his smile in place and conversed with Komang and Dayu.

Tobio really, really envied his ability to pretend everything was normal right now.

Once they arrived at Nusa Dua Beach Hotel, it was already past ten in the evening. They said goodbyes to Dayu and Komang, and made their way to check-in. As expected, they were only assigned one room, but Tobio didn’t have it in him to freak out anymore. Mostly, he was just tired from the long journey. He just hoped the room had a twin bed. It was a five-star hotel, so he could at least expect a comfortable bed.

Which, of course, was only wishful thinking.

Whatever Tobio had thought about the room, this certainly wasn’t one of them. And judging from Oikawa’s expression, he didn’t expect this either.

From the moment they opened the door, they saw red rose petals trailing on the shiny wooden floor. They led to a king-sized bed, where more petals were shaped into a heart on the white duvets. On top of the heart, in the middle of it, stood two towel swans kissing each other—which made them look like a heart as well.

Tobio felt faint.

The reality hit that he was, indeed, on a honeymoon with Oikawa. A fake one, yes, but still a honeymoon.

“Well, uh. This is unexpected,” Oikawa said. “But again, I should have seen this coming….”

“This is awkward,” Tobio said, staring at the swans, unblinking.

“No shit.” Oikawa sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. “Well, we need a sleeping arrangement.”

“Pretty sure you’ll say the bed is yours….”

“Of course . I paid for this trip.”

Tobio scowled. “Fine. It isn’t like I was tricked into coming. I’ll take the sofa.”

“You were the one who wanted to go. Don’t go bitchy on me now.”

“Why did you say it then? That we’re not married yet?”

“What do you want me to say?” Oikawa retorted. “It’s already awkward as it is. At least I tried to straighten the fact. Unlike someone who lost his ability to speak.”

Anger surged inside Tobio. He knew it was mostly exhaustion talking, but damn it, Oikawa was too much. “Are you sure it wasn’t because of your stupid pride? You don’t want anyone to know that you were dumped.”

Oikawa was silent now. Tobio couldn’t bring himself to care, feeling even more tired than before. But after he slipped off his shoes, threw the flower necklace to the coffee table, and made his way to the sofa, he realized Oikawa had been silent for too long. He looked back, only to find Oikawa looking at him with disdain, a steely expression on his face.

Tobio swallowed.

Oikawa turned and made his way to the bathroom, slamming the door closed so hard it made Tobio wince.

Tobio was left staring at the floor where Oikawa had been, wondering if he had said the wrong thing.

Tbc.

Chapter Text

Day 2

The journey from Nusa Dua to Ubud took a little over two hours because of traffic. 

Komang and Dayu had picked them up exactly at seven in the morning. It was fortunate that Tobio and Oikawa were both athletes used to having morning practices. They had had breakfast in awkward silence at six, after taking turns to use the bathroom. Then Tobio spent the ride to Ubud primarily playing with his phone, while Oikawa gladly chatted with their guides. Tobio was positive Oikawa only wanted a distraction, so he didn't have to say anything to Tobio.

Tobio sighed. See, this was what he had feared. It was only the second day, and they had already fought. Still, Tobio didn't know what made Oikawa this angry. It wasn't like that was the first time they had an argument. And yet, it felt like Tobio had said something that was forbidden.

"We're here!" Dayu said with a big smile as she got out of the car. "This is Monkey Forest."

Tobio closed the car door after nodding to Komang, who wouldn't come with them as he was in charge of the car. Oikawa lifted his DSLR camera and snapped several pictures of the temple.

The temple itself looked extremely old. And aptly named—Tobio thought this was more of a forest rather than a temple. Which was pretty unique, considering it was in the middle of a busy city. The gate outside was made of carved stones, which looked worn and covered in moss. At the entrance, there was an enormous stone with "Monkey Forest" engraved on it, and a statue of a creature Tobio didn't know sat on top of it. Perhaps it was a mythology creature like Kirin?

They continued walking past the gate. Dayu took care of their tickets, and Oikawa was still snapping pictures. Tobio was contemplating whether he needed to take one too with his mobile, when Oikawa called him and clicked the shutter.

"Oikawa-san?" Tobio startled. 

"Stop frowning! We're here to have fun," Oikawa said as he slung the camera back on his shoulder. "You're ruining the mood."

"What? I'm ruining the mood?" Tobio said, incredulous. How rich, Tobio was pretty sure Oikawa was the one sulking the whole night!

"Come on, Dayu is waiting," Oikawa said, ignoring the way Tobio was glowering at him. He jogged to where Dayu was waving their tickets, just a little further inside the gate.

Tobio sighed. He adjusted his backpack and hoped he could have the patience to handle Oikawa. There were still six days to go….

"So, why is it called Monkey Forest? Are there monkeys inside?" Oikawa asked, but no sooner than the question left his mouth, a fat, fluffy monkey crossed the path before them. "Wow, there is a monkey!"

Dayu laughed. "Yes, there are a lot of them inside. They aren't caged or anything. This is just where they live."

"Amazing," Oikawa said with childish excitement.

Dayu led their trek deeper into the forest. She explained things that, honestly, flew over Tobio's head. Something about the temple was built in the 14th century and was part of a kingdom. Tobio could recite everything about volleyball, but he didn't care about history or other subjects. This temple was beautiful, though. Trees and greens surrounded the place, and intermittently there were enormous trees covered with checkered fabrics. It seemed they were holy trees to the local people, judging from the small offerings Tobio saw on the grounds next to them.

"Tobio-chan, are you listening?"

Tobio jolted. He snapped his face to Oikawa and found they were alone. "Where's Dayu-san?"

"She left." Oikawa rolled his eyes. "Apparently, this is part of the tour. We're supposed to enjoy this place together, just the two of us. We'll meet her again at the entrance in one hour."

"Huh. Okay," Tobio said. "What are we supposed to do?"

Aside from them, there were other tourists trudging the forest, but the place was generally quiet. Tobio looked around, noting some ancient monkey statues and the deeper parts of the forest that were dark. It was… a bit eerie now that he thought about it.

"Oikawa-san," he said, wanting to suggest ending their little trip in this forest, but Oikawa was busy snapping pictures. He didn't stop even after Tobio waited a few minutes. "What's so interesting?" Tobio scowled.

"Can't you see? I'm taking your photos."

Tobio stared. Oikawa was taking pictures of a monkey, a tall but scrawny one. It took Tobio thirty seconds to get what Oikawa meant.

"Then that one is you!" Tobio pointed at a monkey beside a tree. It was busy licking his arm, and upon hearing Tobio's voice, it jumped and climbed the tree.

Oikawa tutted. "You scared it. That's animal abuse, Tobio-chan."

"What? I didn't, I don't, what?"

"Pffft." Oikawa snickered. "Oh God." He shook his head. "You should have seen your face!"

What an asshole. Tobio narrowed his eyes and seethed. Honestly, what did he do to deserve a senpai like Oikawa? 

"Don't pout. I was just joking," Oikawa said easily. He smiled and beckoned Tobio to come closer. "Let's take a picture to commemorate today."

"Commemorate? But we're not really a couple?"

"Sush, just come here." Oikawa snaked an arm behind Tobio and put his fingers on Tobio's shoulder. He lifted his camera to take their selfie. "Smile, you dork,” he said right before the timer went off and the sound of the shutter filled Tobio's ears. "We're abroad. We still have to commemorate the occasion."

Well, maybe Oikawa was right. Even though it was with Oikawa, and even though the whole romantic situation was ridiculous, they were still on vacation abroad. It could be a good memory in the future. 

"You look stupid as always," Oikawa said as he checked the picture.

Or not.

"Can't we just go back?" Tobio said through gritted teeth. 

"Why?"

"It's not like we have anything else to do!"

"Oh, Tobio-chan, you must be fun at parties…."

"I never go to one."

"You're not supposed to answer that," Oikawa deadpanned. "Anyway! Let's go over there." Oikawa pointed at a long wooden bridge that traversed an overgrown cliff. And it looked… rickety.

"That doesn't seem like it will hold for two grown men…."

"Oh, that's ridiculous." Oikawa scoffed. "This bridge has been used for so many years. It won't fall just because we walk on it."

But that was precisely the point. The bridge was old.

Oikawa didn't wait for Tobio, though. He went to the bridge and hummed something, a song Tobio often heard but never knew the title.

Tobio sighed. He followed Oikawa, minding his steps on the bridge because—Tobio swore it just moved with a creak!

Looking at him, Oikawa laughed. The bastard was already at the other side of the bridge. Tobio glared at him and continued to trudge carefully.

It was a relief that he managed to land on the ground again with no incidents.

"See, I told you. Nothing happened," Oikawa said with a crooked smile.

Honestly, Tobio hated the way Oikawa said it. All-knowing, and it might seem like he was belittling Tobio a bit. But, Oikawa was smiling openly and in a good mood. It made Tobio wonder if the thing that happened last night was only his imagination.

They went further into the forest, dry leaves crunched beneath their shoes. Even more giant trees and old statues were scattered along the small paths. And even though it was only eleven in the morning, it was a little dark because of all the trees.

Tobio swallowed. He was never good with this kind of thing. He loved his brightly lit apartment, the noisy sounds of balls and squeaking shoes on the court. This silence and darkness made him beyond uncomfortable.

"How's your wrist?" Oikawa asked as they stopped walking. It seemed even Oikawa had the right mind not to travel too far.

"Fine," Tobio said.

Oikawa gave him a sidelong glance. Tobio realized Oikawa had been staring at his wrist. 

"Yeah, it looks better. The swelling," Oikawa said.

Tobio titled his head. Was Oikawa… worried?

But then he saw it. Oikawa's expression as he looked over Tobio's shoulder. His eyes widened in shock, his mouth falling open.

"T-tobio-chan, calm down," Oikawa said, his hands stretched out before him to calm Tobio. "Don't panic!"

"W-what?" Tobio's heart rate picked up a notch. 

Something rustled behind him. 

" What ?" He said again, voice higher than intended. Slowly, he swallowed, his hands sweaty.

What was it? What was behind him? A g-gho…?

And then the thing behind him moved. The even louder rustles of leaves and squeaking sounds hit Tobio's ears. Tobio jumped, almost knocking Oikawa off. That was when his mind caught up.

Squeaking sounds?

A monkey stalked beside him, showing off its large teeth and gum, as if mocking him. 

What. The. Fuck.

" Oikawa-san!"

Oikawa was laughing inaudibly. His shoulders shook, his hand clutched at his stomach. The silent laughter then exploded into full-blown laughter that Oikawa had to wipe the tears from his eyes. The monkey jumped off the scene after baring its teeth one more time at Tobio. What the fucking fuck?

Tobio's face felt hot. He gritted his teeth to hide his embarrassment.

"Asshole," he hissed and spun around. How stupid of him. How could he even think Oikawa was worried about him?

"That's not how you should address your senpai." Oikawa was still laughing, but he grabbed Tobio's arm. "Wait, I'm sorry. I just couldn't resist. You looked so scared, and yeah, it was a small payback for yesterday."

"Yesterday?! I didn't do anything!"

"Yes, you did," Oikawa said. "Didn't you say 'that' to hurt me?"

In hindsight, Tobio did intend to hurt Oikawa. Just a bit, of course. He couldn't help it, exhaustion had taken over his brain. What he hadn't expected was that Oikawa took the blow harder than intended.

"I didn't mean to go that far," Tobio admitted.

"I've been said to have worthless pride," Oikawa said. "Is it so wrong, though, to be prideful?"

Tobio frowned. The conversation had taken a turn. He had no idea what Oikawa was talking about.

"That stupid Ushiwaka. Just you see. I'll show you."

Ah. Now Tobio understood. Despite being the best setter in university, Oikawa still couldn't beat Ushijima. Last year, Nittaidai lost in the semifinal to Waseda, where Ushijima enrolled. That marked Oikawa's 8th loss since middle school. Iwaizumi even mentioned how Ushijima still asked Oikawa to come to Waseda instead of Nittaidai. After all this time….

Ushijima was a sore spot for Oikawa.

"I'm sorry," Tobio said. "But I'm sure we'll win. We can show him in the intercollegiate."

"Of course we'll win!" Oikawa said with a vengeance. 

"I mean, Nittaidai now has me."

Oikawa squawked indignantly. Tobio swallowed his amused snicker. Serve him right for being a jerk the entire trip.

"Iwaizumi-san was the one who said I can cover your ass when needed." Tobio shrugged.

"Of course Iwa-chan betrayed me," Oikawa grumbled. 

"He was right, though."

Oikawa regarded Tobio, studying his face. Again, Tobio felt so small in front of Oikawa. Which was ridiculous, considering their builts weren't that different now.

"He was," Oikawa said, which caught Tobio off guard. "But thinking about Ushiwaka ruins my day! We're supposed to be having fun!"

"Huh," Tobio said. Something bloomed in his chest. Did he just hear Oikawa acknowledge him as a teammate?

"Tobio-chan, are you smiling or are you trying to scare me…? Because it looks creepy…."

"Shut up." Tobio scowled and turned his back to Oikawa. Still, it didn't dampen his increasingly good mood. He felt giddy, just thinking Oikawa had accepted him as a teammate. "It's been an hour. Shouldn't we go back?" he quickly said before he made another weird expression.

Oikawa said nothing for a while. When Tobio looked back, Oikawa was smirking. "Yeah. They're waiting," he said and walked past Tobio.

Tobio raised an eyebrow. What was that?  

But it was no use to keep thinking about it. Tobio was sure Oikawa would only make fun of him if he asked. He sighed, rechecking his expression as he stalked towards the bridge.

"Hey, Tobio-chan."

He looked up.

"You're free to hold my hand if you're scared, you know." Oikawa extended his hand with a bright smile.

Tobio's face heated. "Wha—? No way, dumbass!"

Oikawa tutted. "That's a bad word, Tobio-chan," he said. "You should learn how to speak to your elders."

He ended up reprimanding Tobio about manners all the way to the exit, much to Tobio's chagrin.

After lunch, they were escorted to the Blanco Renaissance Museum. Unlike at Monkey Forest, Dayu accompanied them all the while, talking about Antonio Blanco's histories and what happened behind each piece of art hanging on the walls. Tobio was sure his brow furrowed so deep, judging from how Dayu glanced at him carefully every so often. 

Tobio never understood art. Especially art that involved naked women.

"You know, I also don't understand art, but at least I don't look like I'm trying to strangle someone…," Oikawa said so softly in Tobio's ear. From outsiders' point of view, it must have seemed like Oikawa was whispering sweet nothings to him.

"The only one I want to strangle is you," Tobio said, equally softly.

"Is this the mouth that said it?" Oikawa smiled and squeezed Tobio's cheeks so hard that Tobio's lips puckered like a puffy fish. "My boyfriend is so cute!" 

Tobio's brain short-circuited at the word "boyfriend".

"Aw, you both are so cute!" Dayu gushed. "Actually, the two of you look like a painting yourselves."

"Oh?" Oikawa said casually. "Not a naked painting, I hope."

Dayu laughed and shook her head, while Tobio gaped at Oikawa.

Tobio swore Oikawa must have had plans to kill him during this trip!

"Come on now, Tobio-chan." Oikawa grabbed the sleeve of Tobio's black t-shirt and dragged him forward. Dayu was chattering about another painting, but Tobio expertly tuned her out. "Stop dawdling. We've got a museum to enjoy."

"Why am I your boyfriend?" Tobio blurted out, still in shock.

"You are," Oikawa said. "During this trip. Everyone thinks we are a couple. Might as well play the part."

"I thought we just needed to keep quiet about the nature of our relationship?"

"What's the difference?" Oikawa raised his eyebrow.

Tobio opened his mouth, but no words came out. It was different, of course. He knew it was different, but he couldn't refute Oikawa because it also made sense in a way. 

"You must enjoy playing with me," Tobio said.

"Well, damn. What gave me away?"

"Jerk…."

Alright, if Oikawa wanted to do it that way, Tobio could play along. He might be brighter than Tobio, but Tobio was no longer an innocent boy. He'd make Oikawa regret asking Tobio to act as his boyfriend.

Oikawa pretended not to hear the insult Tobio threw at him. He took Tobio's hand and smiled. The kind of smile he reserved for his closest friends. 

That shouldn't mean anything. Especially because they just bickered about the fact that they had to pretend as a couple during the trip. Yet, Oikawa and his stupidly pretty face did strange things to his stomach. And—to anyone's stomach if the attention Oikawa got from the other visitors was any sign.

Tobio swallowed and resigned himself to being pulled. 

He noticed, though, that same amiable smile was there when Oikawa talked to Dayu during their walk back to the car. 

Oikawa's hand was warm around Tobio's, but….

He wondered if Oikawa had a thing for older women.

The rest of the trip was a blur. Tobio was too distracted by Oikawa, to be exact. Oikawa didn't touch him anymore, no. But… it was still weird not seeing Oikawa's usual childish antics directed at him. Tobio schooled his features and thought desperately on how to make Oikawa regret his decision to be Tobio's temporary boyfriend. 

Alas, thinking was never Tobio's strength, so he ended up scowling all day. Or at least until they had dinner at Dirty Duck and Tobio ate double portions because Oikawa was fussy, even about the cleanliness of fried ducks.

"I don't know. I can't eat it. It still has… feathers…."

"It doesn't," Tobio said.

"It does! Just the few, but—"

"Oikawa-san, it doesn't. It's not sparkling clean, but it's clean enough. And yummy." 

"You do realize they named their restaurant Dirty Duck?"

"If it's really dirty, why do people line up to eat here?"

Oikawa huffed. "Fine, whatever. I'm ordering room service when we get back."

Tobio shrugged. He wasn't complaining when Oikawa shoved his plate to Tobio. It was Oikawa's loss for missing this wonderfully cooked delicacy. 

Tobio was munching on his food when Oikawa fished his phone from his pocket and frowned. He scrolled, muttering something that sounded a lot like 'those assholes' and that was when Tobio felt his own phone vibrate.

Tobio grabbed his phone to find one chat from Iwaizumi. 

I know I said the trip was good for you too, but don't succumb to everything Shittykawa demands. Tell me if he does anything shitty to you. 

Tobio's eyebrows shot up. Iwaizumi was worried about setting him up for this trip? 

In retrospect, Oikawa was, indeed, being shitty today. But Tobio didn't feel the need to tell on him to Iwaizumi, when Iwaizumi was thousands (or was it millions?) of miles away.

Tobio replied with a simple 'thanks, Iwaizumi-san', and then raised his head to look at Oikawa.

Huh. Oikawa seemed serious. He looked as if he was contemplating something, while reading a message on his phone. Did Iwaizumi also send him a message? The timing was right as he had just messaged Tobio.

"Uh. Is everything alright?" Tobio couldn't help but ask.

"Hmm?" Oikawa put his phone on the table. 

"Was it Iwaizumi-san?"

Oikawa tilted his head and studied Tobio, before he broke into a sly grin. "Already acting like a caring boyfriend, Tobio-chan?"

"What?" Tobio nearly spluttered. Thank God he still could save whatever dignity he had left. "It wasn't like that!"

"No need to be shy. I know I'm a keeper!"

"Yeah, that's why so many girls dumped you."

"Ouch! Rude, Tobio-chan!" Oikawa wrinkled his nose. 

Tobio was only stating a fact. He'd heard Oikawa being dumped several times since middle school, including when Tobio asked for his advice that time in high school.

"And if you must know, my phone is full with requests for souvenirs. Like I will buy them anything, tch." 

Tobio pursed his lips. He was pretty sure that if it was only about souvenirs, Oikawa would have declined easily and smoothly. He'd even add a couple of insults as a bonus. And he wasn't answering Tobio's question about Iwaizumi. 

"Well then." Oikawa waved his hand to get Tobio's attention. "Eat, Tobio-chan. Are you trying to make me die from starving? I wanna go back to the hotel soon."

Tobio rolled his eyes. He wanted to eat purposefully slowly now. But that wouldn't be nice to Dayu and Komang. Too bad.

As he shoved rice into his mouth and chewed, Tobio couldn't help but steal glances at Oikawa. His reason was, Oikawa was the only person in front of him, and thus the only object he could see. He tried to ignore the voices that said there were plenty of other people around them.

Oikawa was resting his chin on his palm, his elbow leaning on the table. He gazed at whatever was in the garden, as the restaurant had an open air setting. This close and without bickering, Tobio realized Oikawa had a few freckles on his cheeks. They were very light and wouldn't be noticeable if one didn't squint and put their complete attention on him. But. It didn't mean Tobio was putting his attention to Oikawa. Nope.

Surprisingly, Oikawa stayed silent. His expression was soft, and Tobio was reminded of the time in middle school, when Oikawa would look at him and smile softly, before he changed his attitude completely.

Tobio sighed and decided he should stop that train of thoughts. He finished eating and tried to ignore his curiosity when Oikawa was back to frowning at his phone.

And when they were finally sitting in the car, for the first time, Tobio understood Iwaizumi's feelings. Tobio wanted to smack Oikawa in the head when he calmly lied about having enjoyed the food so much.

He wondered which one of them was older.

Tbc.

Chapter Text

Day 3

The things Tobio learned during the trip were, sadly, not useful for volleyball. Tobio was starting to think that Iwaizumi had indeed tricked him into agreeing. Tobio knew a part of Oikawa’s skill as a setter was his extroverted personality. Therefore, Tobio wouldn’t dream of copying him. He couldn’t even smile without scaring a child, dammit! So yeah, not useful, because he didn’t need to know what Oikawa was like outside the court to play volleyball. That said, he still found himself thinking about trivial things regarding Oikawa.

For example, Tobio had always thought Oikawa would spend an insane amount of time and a line of expensive products to maintain his appearance. And maybe he did, back at home. But apparently, Oikawa’s prettiness was natural, judging from the products he brought during this trip. By the sink, Tobio only found an average shampoo that Tobio knew everyone and their mothers used, a small bottle of moisturizer with SPF 15, and shaving cream. Also, he didn’t take long in the bathroom. He came out with wet hair, patted it with a towel, combed it with his fingers, and let it dry naturally. He looked like he had just come out of a salon.

And Tobio suspected the same thing with his fashion sense. His jeans were mostly basic colors, even though his t-shirts were colorful. They all looked expensive and well-chosen, but still, Tobio suspected Oikawa chose every piece of clothing with a specific purpose in mind. Tobio remembered Miwa told him to stock up on basic colored clothes, so Tobio wouldn’t hurt his brain thinking about what to wear to campus. It seemed like Oikawa was also not keen on spending hours just choosing his outfit. And to prove his point, Tobio saw him yank a t-shirt and jeans from his trunk carelessly and put them on with eyes still half-closed, heavy with sleep. 

Yet, unlike him, Oikawa still looked perfect. Effortlessly stylish, while Tobio (more often than not) ended up choosing a sports jacket and training pants just so he wouldn’t look weird. It was like Oikawa could wear anything, even dirty laundry, and still wouldn't look out of place on a catwalk. People would believe it was the new fashion trend.

Tobio didn’t particularly care about all those, though. He really didn’t. Honest. But once again, he couldn’t help but notice them as he was… observing Oikawa while trying to learn about his secret setting skills. And sadly, those things were not the only ones Tobio had noticed.

He now knew by heart that Oikawa was flirty by nature. It didn’t seem like he was purposefully trying to flirt. But girls always flocked to him, and it probably had been drilled into him since kindergarten to be kind to his “fans”. He smiled, answered their questions, and even gave an occasional wink at them. Tobio knew he wasn’t serious as he treated everyone the same, but wouldn’t that be leading the girls on? 

Tobio glared as Oikawa, clad in faded blue jeans and a forest green t-shirt, accepted a small paper from a girl in the hotel lobby. She looked Japanese, petite, and had a lovely smile. Tobio supposed she must have been here with her friends—the group of girls who not so discreetly whispered to each other near Tobio. He could hear the words that were often associated with Oikawa from their lips—“So handsome! God, he’s so tall! Is he a model?” kind of thing.

Tobio wrinkled his nose. They were waiting for Dayu and Komang to pick them up. It was still so early, not even seven o’clock, and Tobio was naïve to have thought they were the only ones getting ready for a long trip. Of course, there would be other tourists waiting for their guides.

As he approached Tobio, Oikawa waved at the girl and offered a smile to the other girls. With annoyance, Tobio noticed Oikawa shoving the note into his pocket. 

“What’s got your panties in a twist?” Oikawa asked with a raised eyebrow after he inspected Tobio’s face.

“Nothing,” Tobio said, turning his back on Oikawa.

It was nothing, indeed. But it didn’t explain why Tobio was seething inside. He chose to ignore it and tried to calm himself by glaring at the suitcases that a bellboy dragged from a newly arrived car. 

“That’s not nothing. Are you angry?” Oikawa, the annoying shit, peeked at Tobio’s face again. Not getting any answer, he proceeded to stand before Tobio. “You’re weird.”

“Me? Weird? You are the one who flirts all the time! Aren’t you supposed to be my boyfriend?!”

The moment the words came out of his mouth, Tobio froze. Oikawa looked startled. His eyes widened. 

An awkward silence embraced them.

“Fo-forget it,” Tobio quickly said. He couldn’t decide whether he should be embarrassed or frightened at his own idiocy right now.

“Forget it?” Oikawa asked. He smoothened his expression and appeared to be thinking. Then, slowly, his lips curled up, his eyes twinkling with something Tobio refused to name. 

Why, oh why, did Oikawa have to be this gorgeous? It’s unfair! Tobio couldn’t stay angry (or horrified) because of that smile!

“I guess you’re right,” Oikawa said. He stepped into Tobio’s personal space and murmured in Tobio’s ear, “I should have acted as a good boyfriend. Sorry, Tobio.”

Tobio’s heart leaped in his chest. It might be the words, or the proximity, or the soft tone of his voice, or even the missing “chan” at the end of his name…, but Tobio couldn’t move, couldn’t think of what to say, and couldn’t understand why the hell Oikawa could pull this reaction out of him.

Oikawa touched Tobio’s shoulder and slid his hand down, caressing Tobio’s arm lightly, until his fingers clasped around Tobio’s. Then, as if it didn’t just happen, Oikawa stepped back.

Tobio’s eyes darted towards his palm. The paper Oikawa got from the girl was there.

“Fair enough, Tobio-chan,” Oikawa said with a blinding smile. “We’re boyfriends for seven days.”

Tobio’s chest gave an involuntary twist to that. Seven days. Yes, he only had to withstand Oikawa for seven days. And then he’d be back to his apartment, enjoying his solitude and volleyball.

“I… I don’t need this. It’s not like I was….”

“Jealous?” Oikawa finished Tobio’s words with a wink. “Of course. I knew you wouldn’t be. But I’ll act properly, anyway. Do whatever you want to that note.” 

And with that, Oikawa sauntered away.

Tobio swallowed. He watched as Oikawa scooped out his phone and answered a call. He knew it was from Dayu, signaling their ride was arriving. Oikawa laughed, looking pleased with himself, and this time Tobio’s heart wasn’t as heavy as before.

He opened the crumpled paper and found an email address written in neat, beautiful writing. Tobio wouldn’t care, really, even if Oikawa emailed her. He could give this back to Oikawa. It wasn’t like they were a real couple. Oikawa wasn’t obliged to do this just to appease Tobio.

Yet, when their car arrived and Oikawa climbed inside, Tobio didn’t let himself dwell on why he ended up throwing the paper into the trash can.

There was something weird about not touching a volleyball for almost three days. Tobio’s hands tingled, and there was pent-up energy vibrating in his body. Oh, he was tired from the continuous trip, yes. But volleyball always had a certain portion of his energy. He would never be too tired to play. Like what Yachi said about having a different stomach to eat desserts after a big dinner.

Tobio fisted his fingers and did his best to contain his thirst for volleyball. Instead, he focused his eyes on the view before him. The rice field they were visiting was nice. The weather and the breeze added the beauty of the yellowing field. It was actually an excellent place to unwind.

The thing that wasn’t so nice was… the fact that they had to pose for a photo session.

“It’s part of the romantic package. Most of our guests love this, and often they do pre-wedding shoots while at it. This is the reason this package is a best seller!” Dayu said.

Oikawa grimaced. It was enlightening, at least, to see that even Oikawa couldn’t keep his facade.

“You have thirty minutes to take photos and then free time until lunch. There’s a small river not far from here, and it’s a perfect place to relax with your loved one!”

Tobio wished Dayu would stop gushing about “couple”, “loved one”, or “romantic”. But it couldn’t be helped. Those were all this package—the package that Oikawa bought—all about.

“Okay… can we choose the pose?” Oikawa asked.

“Of course! The photographer should be able to take your photos from flattering angles! Oh, here he is!” Dayu said as she saw a black Suzuki Ertiga pull to a stop. 

The photographer was a man in his late twenties if Tobio could guess. He wore a black baseball cap and a simple white t-shirt tucked into grey jeans. He pulled out a camera with a lens even bigger than Oikawa’s DSLR (which Tobio belatedly realized was not hanging around his neck today) and introduced himself as Raka in a no-nonsense way. 

“Do you want to work on a theme?” he asked in Japanese when Dayu had left. “Are you okay with kissing on camera?” 

“Kissing?” Oikawa repeated. “On camera?” He then glanced at Tobio and tilted his head.

“W-what?” Tobio said. Now Raka was looking at him, too, waiting for an answer. What the hell was happening? What was Oikawa doing? So it was up to Tobio now? But they hadn’t even kissed off camera! And now—

Tobio halted his train of thoughts. Imagining kissing Oikawa Tooru on or off-camera was not good for his mental health. 

“Tobio-chan?”

“Volleyball!” Tobio said. When Oikawa and Raka stared at him in bewilderment, he added, “I want to do, um, a volleyball… theme...?”

The more he thought about it, the more he knew it was absurd, and it showed in the way he trailed off at the end of his speech. But again, how should he answer a question like that? 

Oikawa, the bastard, turned his face the other way and covered his mouth. Tobio didn’t need to see his face to know he was laughing soundlessly.

“A volleyball? But we don’t have volleyball,” Raka said with a blank expression.

“I-I know. It’s, um, impossible then?” Tobio said in a small voice, wanting only to dig a hole and bury himself there. 

“Sorry. My cute Tobio-chan is shy.” Oikawa finally recovered and flashed a smile. His voice still sounded a bit strangled from holding his laughter, though. Tobio sent him a withering glare, which he conveniently ignored. “Let’s do some general poses if you don’t mind? Or maybe… candid?”

“Candid!” Raka said. “That’s a perfect idea, especially for the shy ones!”

“See, Tobio-chan,” Oikawa turned to him, “why don’t we enjoy the view and let the photographer take our pictures? It will be a good memory.”

Tobio resisted the urge to jut out his lower lip. Instead, he nodded and, knowing Tobio wouldn’t brush him off in front of Raka, Oikawa seized his hand. 

“Is the river this way?” Oikawa asked Raka.

“Yeah. Just follow the small path outside the field. You’ll find it.”

Oikawa nodded, then pulled Tobio to follow him. “Come on, Tobio-chan. Let Raka-chan do his work. It’s better if you don’t see him while he takes the pictures, anyway.”

“Why?”

“Because that’s what candid means.” Oikawa rolled his eyes. “And if you know you are on camera, you’ll just act stiff and weird.”

Oikawa was not wrong. That didn’t mean Tobio liked hearing it. But before he could formulate a retort, the sound of water washed over him. They traversed a little farther, stepping on the small path between the fields. And there it was, just behind a gigantic tree, a small river streamed gently. The water looked cool and refreshing, and it was really clean that Tobio could see the bottom. Probably because they were far from the city. 

“Well, isn’t it amazing?” Oikawa said. “Hey, Tobio-chan, did you bring a change of clothes?” He smiled.

“Yeah,” Tobio said carefully. “But I left my backpack in the car.”

Granted, he only brought them because the travel agent asked all tourists to always carry a change of clothes, a water bottle, and an umbrella. But somehow, he had a feeling he wouldn’t like what Oikawa was going to say.

“Then come on!” Oikawa said. He rolled his jeans, took off his shoes and socks, then stepped into the water. It was pretty shallow, only reaching Oikawa’s shins. Still, Tobio could see the river would get deeper if Oikawa walked farther. It might even reach his hips. “I can see fish there.” Oikawa thumbed towards the deeper side. “Did you know that Iwa-chan’s dad is an expert at fishing? He can even catch them with bare hands!”

“... and?”

“And we should try, too! He taught me last time, but I was preoccupied with Iwa-chan’s mom’s bento, so.”

“You want me to catch fish,” Tobio said, “with bare hands.”

Oikawa shrugged, then slowly, he plastered a smile. The irritating, challenging smile Tobio recognized from across the net in high school. “Scared you’ll lose?”

That ignited something in Tobio. He scowled. “Never. I’ve always won.”

“Geez, that was only one time, three years ago,” Oikawa said dryly. “And we were tied. We should have settled the score in uni, but you just had to follow me to Nittaidai, didn’t you?”

“Don’t flatter yourself, Oikawa-san. I followed Iwaizumi-san.”

It wasn’t true. He didn’t follow anyone. It was just that Nittaidai was the only university that offered a partial scholarship to him, as long as he played volleyball. But Oikawa didn’t need to know that.

Yet, Oikawa didn’t look like he believed Tobio. He sent a knowing smirk and, with his finger, he beckoned Tobio to get inside the water.

Well, fuck. Tobio had kept scores with Hinata (3.721 versus 3.720 in his favor) all this time, so he didn’t mind keeping scores with Oikawa as well. He rolled his black jeans and made sure his shoes and socks sat on top of a big stone. Then he stomped into the water, wincing as the water splashed onto him.

Oikawa laughed. “God, you’re so stupid.”

Tobio’s face warmed. “Let’s see who will have the last laugh.”

“Suuure.”

Oikawa grinned and carefully stalked towards the deeper part. He didn’t let himself sink too far, though, doing his best to keep the water below his knee level. Tobio followed him, already trying to find a fish. He could see them, but seeing and catching were two different things. Tobio wondered what possessed Oikawa to get this brilliant idea.

Again, Oikawa proved to be very different from what Tobio had imagined. Tobio had thought he would stay clear of anything that could “dirty” himself, like playing in the river. Oikawa seemed like a person who would sit on the shoreline, enjoying the view under the sun and wearing stylish sunglasses. But again, Tobio had never seen him fuss too much over his appearance. 

Yes, he was flirty and knew he was good-looking (and liked to flaunt that fact to the world). But he was also a volleyball maniac who was constantly drenched in sweat and didn’t care about it as long as he could improve. It seemed, just like Tobio, he also didn’t like to waste time if he could practice or watch volleyball games instead.

“Ready, Tobio-chan?” Oikawa broke Tobio’s train of thoughts. “I’ll let you know I’m unbeatable when it comes to goldfish scooping game.”

“That’s totally different.” Tobio rolled his eyes. “Everyone can do the goldfish scooping game.”

“Really? But when we were in middle school, all the team went to the summer festival and you—“

“That was in the past!” Tobio yelled, even though he could feel his face burn. He never pegged Oikawa as someone who still remembered that summer festival in middle school. It was only once, and Tobio ran off home after only a game, anyway.

Oikawa’s snicker made Tobio wish he never agreed to this stupid competition. He glared, now with a new resolve to win this no matter what, and dove his hands inside the water without warning. The water splashed with a loud sound, and Oikawa yelped as he scrambled backward.

“Are you an idiot? You’ll scare the fish!” he complained.

Tobio smirked. Oikawa could whine as much as he wanted. Tobio would be the one winning. 

“You brat,” Oikawa grumbled, going back to his position. But when he saw where Tobio was, he frowned. “Not too far, Tobio-chan.”

“There’s more fish if we go deeper.”

“Well, yeah, but that’s not the point. Safety first. See, the flow is faster there. Didn’t you learn you should never go to the middle of a river?”

Tobio shrugged. “Are you scared?” 

“Listen to me, you brat—” Oikawa grabbed Tobio’s arm and—pulled. Tobio, who had never played in the river all his life, didn’t know how to keep his balance on a slippery surface and predictably lost his footing. “What—Tobio-cha—!”

They fell into the water in a tangle of limbs. Tobio spluttered. The water hit his face and inside his nostrils and mouth. Cold seeped into his clothes, and Tobio had to shake his head and coughed to get his bearings. When he opened his eyes, he came to the sight of a wide-eyed Oikawa right before his face. 

Oikawa—who was wet, water dripping from his hair and face, and whose body was the only warm thing Tobio felt right now.

Because. He was lying on top of Oikawa.

“O-Oikawa-san,” Tobio said, almost breathless.

“Tobio-chan,” Oikawa said. “Can you stop doing idiotic things already?”

“Not as idiotic as the whole idea of fishing with bare hands, though….”

Tobio realized his reply was not as biting as intended. But he kind of—lost himself in the sea of Oikawa’s gaze, his warm hands holding Tobio’s waist, and the shape of his lips—

He shook himself when Oikawa shifted under him. “So-sorry, I’ll get up,” he said, flustered. But then he winced when he put pressure on his right hand to stand.

Oikawa noticed a slight change in Tobio’s expression. He scrambled to sit, Tobio still on his lap, and caught Tobio’s hand to inspect his wrist.

“Does it hurt?”

“Um.”

“You know that I’ll know if you lie, right?”

Yes, he knew. No one could read him better than Oikawa (or Hinata, but the dumbass was not here). So he settled with a slight nod.

“Okay.” Oikawa combed his wet fringe back and sighed. “We shouldn’t have done this. I forgot you’re still recovering.”

Huh? Tobio widened his eyes.

Did Oikawa just—apologize?

“We need to cool your wrist. Let’s ask Dayu if she knew a place to buy an ice pack or maybe a cold drink. The water here isn’t cold enough. For now, can you get up already?”

“Oh, um, yes!” 

Tobio quickly rose. He almost lost his footing the second time because of how fast he moved, but managed to balance himself before he made a fool of himself. He offered his uninjured hand to Oikawa, who accepted it to stand up.

“Well then. Come on,” Oikawa put a hand on the small of Tobio’s back, gently steering him out of the river. Which… felt weird.

“Oikawa-san?”

“Hm?”

From the corner of his eyes, Tobio observed how Oikawa was looking straight ahead.

“... nothing,” he finally said.

Tobio held back a sigh, hoping Oikawa wouldn’t notice how red his face was now.

After taking turns to change their clothes in the nearby public toilet, Komang drove them to a small shop owned by the locals. Tobio was waiting in the car while Oikawa brought back two bottles of cold Pocari.

“How much, Oikawa-san?”

Oikawa waved him off and pressed one of the bottles to Tobio’s wrist. 

“Iwa-chan would kill me if he knew.”

Tobio raised an eyebrow. “So this is like… hush money?”

“Nah. I’m not that scared of Iwa-chan,” he said with glee.

Then why? Tobio wanted to ask. But he bit his lip instead and took the bottle from Oikawa’s hand so he could cool his wrist himself. He wasn’t a baby that needed to be cared for.

Still, it was… nice to be on the receiving end of Oikawa’s kindness. He wondered if this was how Oikawa treated all his girlfriends. Or maybe he treated them even better. If so, then Tobio didn’t understand why the girlfriends kept on dumping him. Because he was busy with volleyball?

Tobio would never dump him just because of volleyball. Wasn’t that his greatest point, anyway? That he played volleyball and was damn good at it?

Yet, there was no need to think about what-ifs because Oikawa was not Tobio’s boyfriend, and he never would be. Not for real, anyway. They didn’t like each other, especially not that way, and that was that.

There was a knot in his stomach, and Tobio did his best to squash it.

“We forgot about Raka,” Oikawa suddenly said, alarmed. “Oh my God. Dayu-chan?”

“You don’t need to worry.” Dayu laughed from the front seat. “He texted me that he got some great shots of you. He’ll send them before the last day of your trip.”

“Oh, good.” Oikawa released his breath. But then his composure was back, and he flashed a smile at Tobio. “Of course, he’d get some great shots. With me as a model.”

Tobio rolled his eyes. 

Looking satisfied, Oikawa took out his phone from his backpack.

Tobio, too, rummaged through his backpack to get his own phone. He grimaced when he saw a text from Hinata.

YAMAYAMA-KUN?? YOU’RE IN BALI??? IWAIZUMI-SAN TOLD ME!!

Tobio sighed. Hinata’s ability to make friends with every living being was beyond him.

Apparently, Hinata was online, and he noticed that Tobio had read his message. 

HOW’S YOUR HONEYMOON??

Tobio frowned. How far did Iwaizumi tell him?

Not a honeymoon

Dumbass!

Reading his replies, Hinata bombarded him with so many texts at once. Tobio felt exhausted even before he opened them. He turned off his phone and resigned himself to answer Hinata tonight. Not now, not when he still had lunch waiting for him to enjoy. The dumbass would only ruin his appetite.

Tobio glanced at Oikawa, who had locked his phone and didn’t even open it whenever it vibrated. He had a neutral expression on his face.

Did his friend pester him to buy souvenirs again?

Tobio shrugged and pushed his curiosity away. Dayu had said that tomorrow they would have free time until brunch, and Tobio decided he would use the time to do his morning jog. 

But then, even after they had a late lunch and were back at the hotel, Oikawa’s phone still vibrated constantly. 

Tobio tried to ignore the lump in his throat.

TBC ❤

Chapter Text

Day 4

Somehow, it was already established between Tobio and Oikawa that they would do their morning run separately. It was an unspoken rule that they should give each other space, after being forced to spend every waking hour together as pretend boyfriends. Tobio was grateful for that. Being around Oikawa for three days had done something to him, and he desperately needed the space. He enjoyed running to help clear his mind, and he needed it more lately. Tobio supposed Oikawa felt this way as well. 

Today, Tobio finished his run first. Thankfully, their hotel was located in a complex, where most of the five-star hotels in Nusa Dua were located. The complex itself was massive, and just running around it was enough to make up for the distance of Tobio’s morning jog in Japan. It also didn’t hurt that the surroundings were beautiful. An enormous garden stretched along the complex, and he heard there was even a small pathway to the beach. Tobio hadn’t stepped onto the beach yet, but it might be good to run there tomorrow if the schedule allowed it. He just needed to ask for direction….

Tobio went back to their room and saw Oikawa was tying his shoes while sitting on the bed. He wore a black t-shirt with a weird green alien’s head on the front side and grey joggers. Tobio curled his lip. Who even wore stupid t-shirts and still looked stylish?

Oikawa, apparently. 

“Tobio-chan,” Oikawa said. “I was about to call you, but you left your phone.”

“Why?” Tobio walked towards the sofa to untie his shoes.

“Don’t you remember? Komang told us to let them know about our choice as early as possible.”

Tobio frowned. “Choice? What choice?”

“Seesh, I wonder if you ever pay attention to anything besides volleyball.” Oikawa shifted on the bed, and that was when Tobio stopped in his tracks, eyes wide. 

A volleyball. There was a volleyball on the bed behind Oikawa!

Oikawa smirked. “See… what a simpleton.” He grabbed the ball and spun it on his forefinger. “Aren’t I amazing? To bring this?”

“Yes! No! I mean, you forbid me from bringing one!”

“Because I already bought one. Why would we need more volleyballs? To add to the weight of our baggage?”

“Th-then!” Tobio couldn’t contain his excitement. He knew he kind of—jumped on his feet a little while wiggling his fists beside his thighs, but whatever. Oikawa had a volleyball and Tobio could finally touch it! 

He lunged for the ball, but Oikawa quickly hid the ball behind him, resulting in Kageyama falling face-first to the bed.

“Tsk, tsk. What’re you doing? Are you a kid?”

“Oikawa-san!” Tobio grumbled, voice muffled by the comforters.

“Did you even notice I was talking about another thing before this?” Oikawa narrowed his eyes.

What thing? There wasn’t anything that mattered more than volleyball, and his hands itched to touch the ball. But Oikawa didn’t back down, so Tobio resigned to his fate. He racked his brain, trying to remember what Oikawa had told him before. 

“We need to let Komang and Dayu know about our choice?” he tried. 

That appeased Oikawa. He nodded and said, “They wanted us to confirm tomorrow’s dinner. Looks like the restaurant is posh, so they have to make reservations. There were two choices. I already picked one.”

“If you already picked one, why do you even need me now?” Tobio asked, incredulous. 

“I just want to inform you.” Oikawa shrugged. “One restaurant requires us to climb so high. Dayu told me we would eat in something like a bird nest above a river. I googled it and it looked interesting. We can see the view of the forest and river from above.”

“Okay?”

“But you’re afraid of heights, so I chose the other one. It’s a traditional dinner at a temple. Looks really interesting, too.”

“What? I’m afraid of heights?” Tobio frowned. Was he? How could he not know about it?

Oikawa stared at him, unimpressed. “You looked like you were about to die, crossing that bridge in the Monkey Forest.”

“Yeah. That was because the bridge was like a hundred years old.”

“Nah. More like twenty.” Oikawa studied him then. “So you’re not afraid of heights.”

“This is the first time I heard I was scared of heights,” Tobio declared. “Are you a psychic? How could you know something about me that I didn’t know?”

“Brat.” Oikawa gave him the stink eye. “Whatever, the choice is made.”

Tobio shrugged. It wasn’t important, anyway. As long as he got food, he was pleased. A small part of him felt elated about the fact that Oikawa thought of him before making the decision, but he squashed it as soon as it even crossed his mind.

Oikawa rose, and he brought the volleyball with him. “If that’s settled, I’m gonna run.”

“Okay. The ball?” Tobio pointed out, giddy.

“You’re so stupid. I’m using it. Why would I leave it in your hands?”

“But-but that’s unfair!”

“How is it unfair? This is my ball.”

Tobio bristled. The little happy Tobio inside him turned into a little angry Tobio. Leave it to Oikawa to fly Tobio to cloud nine and then drop him down to the deepest of hell.

Tobio jutted his lip, complaining under his breath.

“What’s that? I can’t hear you.”

Tobio harrumphed and refused to look at Oikawa.

“Whatever. Cheeky brat.”

He heard more than saw Oikawa walk away. Tobio should have expected this. How could he even think Oikawa was nice yesterday? Oikawa was the devil incarnate, impossible to be kind. His hobby was to stomp on Tobio’s happiness. Even the devil himself might not be as evil as Oikawa.

The door creaked open. Tobio sulked even further that it took him a while to realize there wasn’t any sound that indicated the door was closed. He raised his head and met Oikawa’s eyes.

“I’m gonna leave without you if you don’t move your ass.”

It was as if Tobio saw a blinding light. And stars. Sparkling, twinkling stars around Oikawa and the holy volleyball in his hand. He could even hear birds chirping in the background. And was that a halo behind Oikawa’s head?

“Oikawa-san,” Tobio said, amazed. “You’re an angel.”

Oikawa only bit his lip, clearly holding back an amused smile.

Because of his wrist, Tobio couldn’t play. But he still touched the volleyball, spinning it between his palms. He tried to smother his grin before Oikawa could comment on it, but he was sure it was futile. His cheeks hurt from how wide he was grinning. He had missed the feel of a volleyball on his hand. He thought it might have been the longest time he’d been without a volleyball. 

Oikawa still wore an amused expression while observing Tobio. He had run around the complex, and Tobio was still in the same spot, on the green area across from their hotel, playing with the ball. Belatedly, Tobio realized Oikawa was not making fun of his smiling face this time.

“You wanna help me practice?” Oikawa asked nonchalantly. 

“Me?!”

“No, the monkey,” Oikawa said. “Stop being an idiot for a second.”

“I was just surprised!” Tobio pouted. “You never wanted to practice with me.”

“Well, do you see anyone else besides you here? No? Me, too.”

“You don’t have to be an ass about it,” Tobio grumbled, yet he approached Oikawa anyway. “How should I help you?”

“Just throw me the ball,” Oikawa said as he stretched his arm. “Don’t use your right hand.”

Tobio hummed. He did as he was told to, and immediately Oikawa got into the position to toss. What caught Tobio’s attention was that he tossed it so high to make time for himself to run after the ball and spiked it. The ball zipped through the trees and slammed to the ground, spinning and ruining the surrounding grass.

“Ah,” Oikawa said.

“Ah,” Tobio said, “the grass.”

Oikawa laughed sheepishly. He scratched his cheek and shrugged one shoulder. “Guess we can’t do this here?”

“But, Oikawa-san! You got even more power!” Tobio said, so excited that he bet he might be close to gushing. “What did you do?!”

“Hmm, I just imagined your face. And Ushiwaka’s. That helped a lot.”

“Do you mean I can do it too if I imagine your face?” Tobio shot back.

Oikawa pursed his lips, glancing at Tobio. He then plastered a crooked smile. All taunting and knowing. “But you don’t hate me enough, Tobio-chan!" He ended his statement with a wink.

Tobio’s face warmed. What the fuck? 

“Just kidding. I also don’t hate you that much. I wasn’t kidding about Ushiwaka’s face, though.” 

Tobio almost couldn't believe his ears. Oikawa also didn’t hate him. Well, that much, but it was still enough to make Tobio lost for words. 

Moreover, though it wasn’t Tobio's first time seeing Oikawa act flirty and teasing, there was still something strange right now. The words Oikawa said, the looks on his face, and the way he was kind of just being there, smiling—

Tobio swallowed and had the sudden urge to hide his burning face.

Still, Oikawa didn’t share the sentiment. He glanced at his watch and said, with too much composure, “We need to get ready. I want to take a shower before breakfast. Komang and Dayu will be here at ten-thirty.”

“O-okay.”

“Get the ball for me, will you?”

Tobio didn’t like to be ordered, but he was grateful this time. It gave him a break from having to see Oikawa’s face. He rushed to collect the ball and willed himself to calm down. But as the warmth of the ball touched his palms again, Tobio realized that there was no way Oikawa, the guy who always planned everything, didn’t know they wouldn’t be able to play here. The place was just not cut out for volleyball. 

Then, if he knew he could only run, why would he even suggest playing? Why bring the ball outside? More importantly, why did he bother to show Tobio the ball?

Tobio’s heart rate picked up. His stomach fluttered, and he thought he might be sick. He didn’t like this. Didn’t like the way his entire being seemed to be basked in happiness just because Oikawa might have done all this just for Tobio. He did show how deprived he was of volleyball yesterday. Oikawa must have seen the signs.

“Tobio-chan?”

Tobio squeezed his eyes shut. His hand flew to his chest. 

Shut up, shut up, shut up, stop beating so loud! 

“Is it your wrist again?” 

Oikawa’s voice came nearer behind him, and Tobio whirled to face him. He prayed Oikawa didn’t realize anything just from seeing his expression. 

Oikawa frowned. “Let me see.”

“W-what?” Tobio squeaked.

“Your wrist. Should we visit the clinic? The hotel has one.”

“Oh.” Tobio shook his head. “It’s not my wrist.” He took a couple of deep breaths while refusing to see Oikawa. Once he felt his heartbeat settle, he finally said, “I don’t know. It’s weird.”

“What’s weird?” Oikawa said, sounding confused.

“Uh. You. You’ve been weird and I don’t know how to react to that.”

Oikawa took a moment to think, during which Tobio braved himself to meet his eyes. 

“You don’t like it?” Oikawa asked.

“It’s not that I don’t like it!” Tobio quickly shook his head. He didn’t know why, but he felt the need to stop Oikawa’s thoughts from going in that direction. “I just, I don’t know how I should act with you now.”

“Hmm.” Oikawa smiled. He looked so smug that Tobio wondered if he could smack that smile off his face. Annoying. “So you like it.”

“Who doesn’t?” Tobio snapped. “You’ve been mean to me all this time, so when you’re being kind, it’s just, it just feels different, okay?”

Oikawa took a step forward. “How different?”

“Huh—“

Another step, and Oikawa titled his head. “Why do you care so much?”

“What? I don’t—“

“Tobio-chan,” Oikawa murmured, and he was so close. So close that Tobio could feel the warmth emanating from him. Could feel the ghost of Oikawa’s breath on his ear. “Why?”

Tobio’s world seemed to freeze. He couldn’t think, couldn’t even blink. What the hell was Oikawa doing? Why? Why was he asking why? Tobio was the one who should ask the question!

He gritted his teeth and pushed Oikawa’s chest away. Oikawa staggered a few steps back. “Don’t make fun of me,” Tobio said.

Oikawa raised his eyebrows. He regarded Tobio in silence, his gaze calculating, before he sighed. Then he stepped even further away from Tobio. 

“Come on. We’re gonna be late at this rate.”

It took Tobio several seconds to register what Oikawa said. When he did, he released his breath. The tension in his body instantly ebbed away, hearing Oikawa choose to change the topic.

“Right,” he said, grabbing the ball like a lifeline. 

He fell into step behind Oikawa, trying hard to empty his mind of everything that had happened just now. He really, really didn’t like this.

And yet, as they trudged the path back to the hotel, Tobio heard Oikawa say, in a soft voice he almost missed it.

“You’d better get used to being my boyfriend.”

Dayu and Komang picked them up just a little past ten in the morning. Tobio was kind of glad to meet them. At least it helped break the uncomfortable atmosphere he had with Oikawa.

He remembered the second day he got here when they had breakfast in stiff silence because of the argument. Today, it seemed like it happened all over again, but not really. Because this time, Tobio was the only one who was tense, to the point he couldn’t hold his chopsticks properly and dropped a piece of omelet. Oikawa laughed his ass off, totally oblivious to Tobio’s suffering.

Could it be that Oikawa thought Tobio hadn't heard him?

Tobio sighed. It was no use. His brain would explode before he understood why Oikawa said that. Why did he want Tobio to get used to being his boyfriend? Was it because he was so devoted to their little performance? But Oikawa indeed had said he would behave properly as a boyfriend. Even if it was only for seven days. 

But did it really matter so much to him to act like an actual boyfriend to Tobio? Was this only one of his games?

Tobio sat in the car, scowling at nothing. He tuned Oikawa’s voice out as he chatted with Komang and Dayu. Tobio flattened his lips. Then, because he was so lost he couldn’t think anymore, he grabbed his phone.

Iwaizumi-san, can I ask something?

Japan and Bali only had one hour of the time difference, so Iwaizumi must be in the middle of lunch now. It didn’t take long before Iwaizumi answered him.

Kageyama? What’s wrong? Did shittykawa do something to you?

Did he? Tobio pursed his lips. Well, technically, he did do something. Only Tobio wasn’t sure what that something was.

Its not that. 

Is Oikawa-san

Is he the type who goes all out for everything?

Aside from volleyball?

There was a pause on the other line. Tobio wondered if he had asked the wrong thing. Or maybe Iwaizumi was just eating? Thankfully, after glaring at his phone for a few minutes, Iwaizumi replied.

I guess so. I mean, how does he even maintain his grades and social life besides volleyball, right? He doesn’t do anything half-way. His pride won’t allow that.

He always wants to be the best, you know.

But again I’m not sure I understand your context. 

Tobio narrowed his eyes. Okay, he got it. Oikawa was serious about everything he did. That was why he was adamant about being a proper boyfriend. In Tobio’s head, they were merely acting. But in Oikawa’s head, they were a couple—for seven days. That made sense. But it also felt kind of shitty of him. He had decided to be Tobio’s boyfriend with a time limit. Did he expect them to go separate ways and act like before once the trip was over?

Tobio wasn’t sure he could do that.

“Right, Tobio-chan?”

Tobio snapped his eyes to Oikawa. “Huh?”

“What’re you doing? You’re not listening to me!”

“I was just… texting.” Tobio diverted his gaze and locked his phone.

“Well, whatever,” Oikawa muttered. “They said we’re going shopping. The mall is next to a beach! Aren’t you excited?”

“For what? I don't have anything I want to buy.”

“Duh. We can take tons of pictures, you know. It’s a beach. It’s good for memories.”

Memories. Again, Oikawa said that word. But what kind of memories would this trip bring to Tobio? 

Something he would cherish because he got to be close with someone he admired in middle school?

Something he would forget easily once he got back to his daily life?

Something he would hate because Oikawa was an ass during the entire trip?

Or….

“Tobio-chan?”

Tobio looked at Oikawa and swallowed. 

Oikawa tilted his head, examining Tobio. The smile on his face was still intact, but it was clear he was starting to suspect something. Tobio couldn’t let him know. He couldn’t.

Tobio took a deep breath, and though he knew what kind of memory this trip would bring, he wasn’t Kageyama Tobio if he didn’t charge ahead. So he nodded, put his phone inside his backpack, and said, “Fine. For memories.”

Oikawa’s eyes widened for a second. And slowly, he hummed and smiled lazily. 

“Perfect, Honey,” he said.

Tobio almost choked. Now that Oikawa realized Tobio was in, he wanted to step up the game to that?

Tobio sent a seething glare. “Thank you, Meat Bun.”

Now it’s Oikawa’s turn to gape. He quickly hissed in Tobio’s ear with a scandalized tone. “Meat Bun? Are you stupid?”

“I thought it’s about the food we like?” Tobio whispered back.

“It’s supposed to be something sweet, you dummy!”

“I don’t like sweets.” Tobio shrugged.

Oikawa took a deep breath. Tobio could see his eyebrow twitching, but in the end, he just straightened his body and said with a tone so sweet it made Tobio shudder. “Why are you so cute, Dumpling?”

Tobio narrowed his eyes. “Not as cute as you, Curry.”

“Don’t say that, Tonkatsu.”

“Gyudon!”

“Donburi!”

“Omurice!

“Unadon!”

“Yaki—“

Dayu and Komang’s laughter stopped Tobio mid-sentence. They quickly snapped their attention toward the two guides in the front seats, who were now looking so amused. Somehow, they had started yelling, and gone was their plan to be affectionate.

Oikawa cleared his throat with a fist before his mouth. “Sorry, we tend to… lose ourselves when we’re together.”

“We become kinda hungry,” Tobio said, and paused when he saw Oikawa was covering his eyes with his palm. “Uhm?”

“Just shut up,” Oikawa mouthed.

Tobio scowled. Oikawa wanted him to say something when they had just arrived in Bali. And now he wanted him to shut up. What an asshole.

“Our reservation for lunch is at noon, but rest assured, you can buy something to eat at the mall.” Dayu smiled. “You can also find fast food there.”

“I’d recommend the food stalls near the beach,” Komang added. 

“Thanks. I think we’ll check them out then.” Oikawa beamed.

Thankfully, the rest of their ride passed with no more embarrassing incidents. And like mentioned, there really was a beach behind the mall. Some stairs led to the beach below, and along them were food stalls, mostly seafood and some western food like burgers. People hung out and sat on the stairs, while a big screen that was set up there displayed a movie. If it was nighttime, it would be romantic. 

“Cheese, Tobio-chan!”

Tobio stood at the bottom of the stairs, back to the beach, and grimaced. 

“Sorry, that was my mistake,” Oikawa said as he squinted at his camera. “No cheese. No smile. Just glower like usual. That would look better on you.”

“I think you should stop,” Tobio said, suddenly feeling tired. Oikawa had spent almost thirty minutes just snapping pictures around the area, and now he was dedicating his time to capturing Tobio’s face. What the fuck.

“Just a bit more!”

“Why don’t I take the picture for you two?” Komang suddenly said. “You should probably take one together.”

Oikawa glanced at Tobio, before he smiled and handed his DSLR to Komang. “I’m counting on you!” Then he ran towards Tobio and gave him a shoulder bump. “Come on! Look at the camera!”

Not for the first time, Tobio stiffened at the contact and proximity. Oikawa seemed unfazed as he grinned at the camera. Still, it felt as if the part that touched Oikawa’s arm was scorching hot for Tobio. He conspicuously tried to separate himself a bit, but Oikawa’s hand shot up to catch Tobio’s other shoulder. He dragged Tobio’s body to press flushed against his side. 

“Don’t smile, don’t do anything with your face, just be you,” Oikawa said as his other hand sported a peace sign.

It wasn’t as though Tobio could do something to his face. Aside from blinking stupidly, that is. He hoped the picture wouldn’t come out with his eyes half-closed…

Once Oikawa thought he had enough pictures, Komang and Dayu accompanied them to the mall. On the ground floor, a souvenir shop took up the entire south wing. A comprehensive collection of souvenirs, from sarongs, chocolates, scented candles, and spa-related stuff, was displayed. Tobio contemplated if he should buy something for Miwa when Oikawa tapped his arm.

“What?”

“Tobio-chan, tell me you see what I’m seeing,” Oikawa murmured. His gaze trained on a table a few meters away from them that displayed an array of figurines. Tobio followed his line of sight and widened his eyes.

An array of male genital figurines in every size and color imaginable. 

“Uh. I see them, too….”

Oikawa’s eyes suddenly sparkled with excitement. He ran to grab one. 

“I found the right souvenir for Iwa-chan! And Mattsun and Makki, I guess, let’s buy different colors for each. Now they know what happens if they pester the great Oikawa-san for souvenirs!” His smile turned mischievous. 

Tobio couldn’t stop himself from cringing. “You want to buy that?”

“Why not?” Oikawa inspected the thing with a critical eye. “This is actually well made.”

“That’s not the problem!”

“Why don’t you buy one of these dicks for Chibi-chan?”

“What the fuck! Don’t put dicks and Hinata in one sentence!” Tobio shuddered violently, wide-eyed. “Are you crazy?!”

Oikawa shrugged. “I will buy them for my friends who never get laid.” Then he snickered at his own words. "These might help them."

“You really are shitty….”

“Sush! Oh, I know, the blue one would be best.” Oikawa took three blue dicks and happily skipped towards the cashier.

Tobio rolled his eyes so hard he went blind for a second.

Komang chuckled behind him. When Tobio turned, he saw the man smiling gently while gesturing at the figurines. “You can find these everywhere here. This symbolizes fertility and also good luck. “

“The dicks?”

“There’s a history of why the locals think so. This resembles the shape of a lingga. That’s an ancient artifact. But, as Oikawa-san does, people mostly buy them for pranks. The meaning of these figurines has changed.”

Tobio could only nod dumbly. He didn’t know what a lingga was, but that… was quite interesting information. He was just thankful Komang was with them today. It would be awkward to have Dayu explaining these things. She was in the restroom, thank God for small mercy.

Oikawa was back with him in no time, carrying a paper bag with his prized souvenirs inside.

“I can’t believe you’re adding the weight of our baggage with that.” Tobio groaned.

“Since you’re not buying anything, we still have space.” Oikawa shrugged. 

“I’m buying something!” Tobio pouted and grabbed a package of scented candles. “I’m buying this!”

Oikawa raised an eyebrow. “Is that for you?” 

“No.”

“So you have… someone back in Japan?”

“Of course I have someone! You’re not the only one with a sister!”

Oikawa took a moment to process Tobio’s words. And then he smiled, his expression relaxed. “A sister. Yes. Well, the cashier is that way.”

“I know that,” Tobio grumbled as he made a beeline towards the said cashier.

Oikawa didn’t follow him. And Tobio was too preoccupied with trying to pay the right amount of rupiahs to think about what had just happened. Besides, it wasn’t like Tobio could think while he ate lunch or while looking at the Ground Zero monument. Tobio simply wasn’t made for thinking.

It was in the evening, when they were back in the hotel room and Oikawa was in the shower, that Tobio understood Oikawa’s question.

It was scary how his chest burst with emotions.

Tbc